2011 is a Turning Point in the Life of GK and Me

It is almost the end of 2011's first quarter. We have been so busy with meetings since late last year. I am at a loss as to where to begin this blog. Just overwhelmed still... in a way... with the many things we need to do in GK.

I'm going on my sixth year this year (d-date July 1). When I left the world of the advertising industry I knew I was not going back - and only because I knew that GK was life after my resurrection - oh the drama, but really, it was something like that. Even right now, I can say that I can't think of a future without GK. It's something I want to keep doing until death do us part. It's just a great environment to keep living in. You just want to make life better for everyone.

It's been a challenging past three months. We have been planning for a better organization - a stronger, tougher one - ready to take on the problems of the world. :) Well, at least, for the first step - our own problems here in our country. It's been a lot of meetings, many difficult conversations, presentations, tick boxes getting longer and longer - some even remaining unchecked. And, despite all of that, I am still trying to manage the time to get me home in time for the kids. There have been weeks when I could barely hold on and my only prayer was just for the Lord to help me keep it together for just a few more days. And I would survive.

The past few months have been a test of character... and a test of my limits.

Ever since I got kids, it's like I lost a solid grasp of time and personal work output. Sometimes I wonder to myself if it's a choice I had made rather than something I got trapped in. Between pumping for milk at the office and wherever I had meetings and needing to rush home by 6pm, it seemed like I couldn't really go on overdrive. I mean, how can you even think of speeding when you know you'd get to a stoplight within a hundred meters anyway.

I've wrestled with God a number of times, questioning him about situations I face - being in meetings where I ask myself "Why am I here?", or even, "Why did you put me here?". All I would get was only the grace to just go on hoping that some answer would present itself eventually.

One thing I couldn't question though was that he meant me to be here in GK. The clarity of this calling is solid. Even if the memory of that moment of clarity would fade, the conviction will never fade. So no matter the doubts in my mind I have for myself or the task I have in front of me, I have no energy to say no or to fold. At the same time, it is also the reason why I know that I can do anything and be in any place in GK -- and I would be happy and peaceful about it. The irony of it is that I was not happy and peaceful about where I was shortly before I wrote this. So, what was wrong with me.

I just had a nice, short and open talk with my boss just a while ago... just a few minutes into my writing this blog. God has been giving me signals the past few months - most of which I was either just too dense to get or plainly stubbornly not getting. But the talk I had just made everything just land perfectly into place - why I am here and what I need to realize to find my happiness and peace.

Once again I am eternally grateful to have my God with me this year. It's been a tumultuous past few years. I have not been a happy person. But when the year started (and geeze I do not understand why things like this happen on the first day of the year - it's like cheesy), it just felt that I would finally be showered by the grace of God that had slipped away from my fingers. And through the next few days and the coming months, it would come. Thank you dear Father.

Now I feel stronger to face my demons - dang little demons that just won't go away. I'm just like GK this year -- now tougher and more hopeful to take on the rest of the world (well, at least whatever comes my way everyday - that's a good start).

Day Before

The past few days, I have been left home (in Naga) while my husband went around doing GK work in other areas of Bicol.  I couldn't go along with them because of different reasons.  

Sunday morning, Jay went with Luis, Mari, Tito Boy and Eric to the turnover of houses at GK Pinyasan in Daet, Camarines Norte.   I had to stay behind to fix the logistics for the Bayani Assembly that afternoon.

Monday - the entire day - Jay, Luis, Tito Boy, Tito Johnny and Eric went to Albay to meet with the CFC Council/GK Board as well as visit the Energy II GK Site in Manito.  They had no more space for me in the car.  It was a crucial meeting with the CFC Council because of the recent change of GK Head and the necessary turnover of resources and projects.  I stayed home, caught up with sleep and had a haircut.  It was a holiday anyway...

Today, Jay left with Tito Hayee to meet with the barangay officials of Tagongtong in Goa, Camarines Sur.  There seems to be some misunderstanding between the barangay and GK there which they needed to iron out.  Jay said I need not come -- maybe the wife of the RC has no place there.  Maybe if I wasn't pregnant I could pass of as Jay's EA and my presence would not be contentious.  Tomorrow, we are leaving for Manila and I told myself I could follow-up on certain things at the office before our departure.

Being at the sites and joining in on the meetings, well -- I really do not contribute much (sometimes I do, but not so often).  It's good exposure for me just the same as I get to understand the challenges on the ground, get to see the dynamics we have with different partners and different types of people and get to appreciate the spirit of the work on ground.

I don't know what awaits me in Manila - probably the same responsibilities which I had left behind.  The work there is made up of a lot of different things to do everyday -- tick boxes you have to check-off leaving you facing the computer the entire day.  There is also a lot of talking to different people to manage things but sometimes I don't get to do that because people come and go and have their own tick boxes to check-off.

Here in Bicol, I learned a lot, I wrote a lot, I lived a lot.  I'm not sure I actually accomplished a lot.  (Wry smile)  When the Manila people were here for the Bayani Assembly and we needed to set up the program that Sunday afternoon, I automatically shifted to robot-mode and processed what was needed -- (dzzzt... dzzzt... - sound of a computer processor) there was immediate output.  I wasn't able to take pictures though... or take it in all heart and soul.

I don't know how God wants me to operate.  Almost two months here and I don't know if this is where I should be.  Am I dense or is it that things are still unfolding???

Notes on Bicol Region Bayani Assembly

Just sharing here my notes from last April 6 Bicol Regionwide Bayani Assembly -- for those who were unable to attend.

Goal for GK in 2008 : Build 2,000 new communities

Current count = 1,500 communities 

Ending count for 2008 = 3,500 communities

Key deliverables for Bicol in 2008

1. Finish all pending commitments by August (2008)
   
2. Start-up new GK communities in all municipalities of your province

Triangle Offense Strategy to Grow GK in Bicol

1. Secure the LAND
2. Establish the KAPITBAHAYAN in the community
3. Build a strong CARETAKER TEAM

Secure the LAND

1. Preferably free (GK need not pay for any legal fees) and immediate transfer from donor (no pending issues of ownership)
2. Optimum land characteristics  : Flat plain (or at the most, slightly rolling); near main road with right of way; and, has accessible water supply (easy to install a water pump or near waterworks or other water source)

Establish the KAPITBAHAYAN in the community

1. Relocate beneficiaries immediately to the GK site (at least 8-10 families)
2. Initiate values formation
3. Start planting for food sufficiency

Build a strong CARETAKER TEAM

1. Has a champion's heart (passionate, inspires others, allows everyone to join in)
2. At the onset, should have a Project Director, Community Organizer (Kapitbahayan Values Formation), Shelter or Tatag Head

Conduct Regular Bayani Assembly in the Province

1. Bi-monthly of quarterly
2. Province-wide or sector-wide (depending on the scale of GK in your province)
3. Serves as a regular meeting of all GK stakeholders (caretaker teams, kapitbahayan officers, partners from the LGU, schools, corporations, families, civic organizations, land donors)

Objective of Bayani Assembly

1. Sharing of directions, news or updates from GK National or Regional
2. Honoring of heroism
3. Sharing of best practice within your area

Program Contents

1. National Anthem
2. Opening Prayer
3. Welcome Address
4. Talk One : The Vision for 2008 (Video support : "Decent Homes. Decent Lives."; Talk Proper; and, Sharings from the Audience)
5. Intermission number (showcasing a GK community performance)
6. Talk Two : The Caretaker Team's Pivotal Role (Video support : "Soseng/PMG of Hitaob"; Talk Proper; and, Sharings from the Audience)
7. Closing number (showcasing a GK community performance)
8. Closing prayer

 (talk topics to change after initial cascade of Regional Bayani Assembly)

My notes end here.  :)

Bicol Regionwide BAYANI ASSEMBLY

April 6, 2008

Sunday

Today from about 2-5pm, we held the 1st Bicol regionwide Bayani Assembly.  Our venue was at the Champagne Garden at Naga City and we had invited primarily our caretaker teams and kapitbahayan officers from all over the region to this afternoon's activity.  We also opened the invitation to partners (like the LGU) but bulk of who we were expecting were the caretaker teams. 

Being the host province, of course more than 60% of the audience were from CamSur.  But besides their caretaker teams, there were others from CFC (not serving in GK) who were there.  Today was likewise the Mission Core assembly of some sectors -- and the council thought it would be a good idea to have the Bayani Assembly as Mission Core Assembly as one.  This is a blessing in disguise... as we hope to have inspired other CFC members to take part in GK and become caretaker teams.

Besides CamSur, the greatest number of attendees came from CamNorte.  In order of GK sites, they likewise come second to CamSur and so it makes sense that they had a fair share of attendees.  Plus Luis, Mari, Tito Boy (our special guests from the national office) swung by their area earlier that day for the GK Pinyasan Site's (at Bibirao, Daet) turnover.

I guess the even more impressive group was the team from Masbate.  There were probably just over ten of them but the distance they traveled makes their presence very valuable (and they even brought with them an LGU partner -- o, say nyo!).  They arrived yesterday and went to visit a couple of the showcase GK sites of CamSur -- Iriga and Libmanan -- to make their trip even more worthwhile.  I believe there are 3 GK sites set-up in Masbate and we hope that with this team of gung-ho CFC, more will be built within the coming year.

Only a few from the Albay team was there because their entire council joined the YFC ILC in Tagaytay... plus Luis will be having a separate meeting with them tomorrow.  I plan to write up they key messages of today and send it out to the provinces so they can share with those who were unable to come.

In Sorsogon - there was only Tony (and he's a full-time worker from the region, so actually... he doesn't count but it WAS heroic of him to raise his hand and claim the province of Sorsogon for himself!).   He said that the province of Sorsogon was conducting an MER (marriage enrichment retreat) and since there are a few CFC in Sorsogon -- that means all of them need to be in the service team.  It's a shame though... because Sorsogon is promising in terms of growth in GK.  The LGU is answering the call and the teams are getting confident.  It's just that there really are a few CFC there so you're like working with a few potential workers in the vineyard.  There is also, unfortunately, one challenging case (in one GK site) that may have caused some strain in the momentum of GK Sorsogon.....  But I will lift that up to God because I believe it has gone beyond our control.  In fact, human intervention would probably make matters worse.  So God... you be the captain (as you always are)!

It was an inspiring afternoon.  Goals were presented to a group of people who mostly have been slaving it out for a year, some 2 years, some 3 years.  As I went around GK sites this past month -- or seen the Titos and Titas who pass by at the office -- you see a few who are brimming with excitement and enthusiasm... and you see some who are strained and drained.  Facing up to definite deliverables considering the challenges they have been encountering since day one may be a difficult thing to do.  In their minds they might have thought "Not again..." but I guess this afternoon, everyone was reminded of why we all started this out.

We had videos testifying to people's personal calvary -- and yet, despite this, gaining the overwhelming feeling of a glorious resurrection.  Mari's ironic greeting of condolence and congratulations to anyone who takes on the role of Project Director is very apt.  "Condolence sa 'yo" because you have to die to yourself and take up your own cross... but "Congratulations rin!" because the experience will raise you up and give glory to our God.

I was too hungry after the activity and I stayed by the front gobbling up the left-over serving of bihon that I was unable to mingle with the exiting crowd to get the feel of them.  But I did see them the entire time... listening raptly and connecting to the speakers... the sharers and the videos.  You need things like this as an adrenaline shot to those who have given up so much already and still... so much more needs to be done.

The work these people do in GK is very challenging and can be overwhelming.  The everyday many little things can beat you and weigh you down if you lose sight of the goal -- and if you lose sight of what brought you here in the first place.  More than anyone else, all GK workers have to constantly arm themselves with God's protection and inspiration.  Let God be your defender.  Let God be your driver.  And let all workers in the vineyard remain faithful to the call -- because God is faithful to us.  He is building His Kingdom here on earth.

Pasacao, Camarines Norte : Mang Andoy dela Torre

Pasacao - the summer capital of Camarines Sur - claims the almost finished welcome arc we drove by.  It is the the most accessible beach to residents of Naga City .  The waters are quiet and the greyish sand is grainy -- something definitely better than rocky.  When we visited the beach yesterday at noontime the resorts we passed by were filled with inebriated youth celebrating the end of another school year.

About a five minute walk away -- there was another type of revelry happening.  At the Purificacion Ziga GK site, about two hundred guests were celebrating the birthday of land donor Tita Nelly Ziga and the second turnover of another fifteen houses to the eager families of Pasacao.  Tita Nelly heard about GK a while back and was interested in donating this piece of land to build homes for the poor who lived in vulnerable areas.  Ateneo de Manila funded the first 10 houses while the next partner who came in was DSWD.  All in all, 25 houses are now standing.  The site can accommodate a hundred homes. With the continued help of the partners and the LGU who has provided skilled workers to hasten the construction, more of our poor brethren in Pasacao will join this happy community.

The sun was high up and hot that day and Jay and I were invited by Mang Andoy and Aling Myrna to take relief from the heat as the blessing of the other houses were being done.  Mang Andoy's family lives at the second house by the entrance of the village.  All in all, he has eleven children, four of whom live on their own already -- being either married or working away from home.  We tease them about going for their twelfth but they both protested.  Mang Andoy is already 57 and Aling Myrna 47 years old.  Their youngest was a 4 year old boy.

Their family used to live by the shoreline of Pasacao.  I've always had a romantic notion about living by the beach but apparently it has been an unbearable burden for this man of the house.

Apat na beses nagtayo ako ng bahay... apat na beses rin bumagsak.  Hindi naman kami talaga dun sa tabi ng tubig.  May mga ibang bahay pa na nandun sa harap.  Sa medyo malayo yung tinayuan ko ng bahay. Hindi naman kami naaabutan ng tubig... mauuna pa muna yung mga nasa harap.

But a breakwater was built, and to their surprise, when high tide hit, the sea crashed into their home and swept away all the debris of their humble shanty and along with it their few prized possessions.  That was the first time they lost their house.  They managed to collect some scrap material, asking for plywood and GI sheets from Aling Myrna's brother and rebuilt their home by the shoreline.

A series of disasters hit them soon after.  There was Typhoon Milenyo and then right after Typhoon Reming in November - the super typhoons of 2006.  Each time thereafter, Mang Andoy's family would rebuild another frail structure to shelter his family -- from scraps of material he would beg from the barangay captain, his neighbors - and still right by the shoreline, forever vulnerable to the wrath of nature.  

Wala naman kaming lupa.  Yung pinanggalingan namin noon, hindi amin.  Nakitira rin kami sa mga magulang niya (gesturing toward Aling Myrna) pero hindi rin permanente yun... kaya dyan kami sa may tabing dagat puedeng magtayo ng aming sariling bahay.

The last straw was when the waves once again swallowed up their home in July 2007 and to make matters worse, they lost the few belongings they had left in a temporary shelter the barangay had provided for displaced families.

Muntik na akong sumuko nun.

He choked back his tears.  It was difficult for him to accept the cruelty of fate.  It wasn't for lack of trying to be a responsible member of mankind.  Mang Andoy said he used to be barumbado, during his youth.  He would get into all sorts of trouble.  But things had to change when he started a family.  He married Aling Myrna when he was 28 and she was 18.  Eleven children after, their faces are lined and weathered.  Even if nature had miraculously spared their home... even if they had found a place to squat somewhere upland away from danger zones... day to day living was a constant struggle for Mang Andoy.  

Magdidilihensya ako sa dagat.  He was no fisherman but he would help sell fish that the fishermen brought in from the sea.  Labor lang ako.  Mga isang daang piso rin ang nakukuha ko.  Sometimes, from a day's work, he is able to take with him some fish for his family to eat.  From what he earns he buys rice, other goods and enough left over for his children's school expenses.

Minsan walang pangbili ng bigas, pupunta ako sa barangay (to the barangay captain or someone equally dependable) sasabihin ko... wala akong pangbili ng bigas - puede ba akong umutang?  Pinapautang naman nila ako.  Kung kelangan ng pera para sa school ang anak ko -- humihingi ako ng isda para mabenta ako.  Binibigyan naman nila ako.

Not all of their kids are in school.  Some have to stop for one year - kung kaya na, eh di pasok uli.  Desperate measures would call for Aling Myrna visiting the one daughter who works as a cook/helper in Naga.  Mag-advance kami sa sahod niya.  

These are all familiar lamentations.  I hear it as passed on stories from our household help in Manila when they plead to advance their next salary from my tita... or from the Filipino movies and dramas I see on TV.  Yes, we know it as a reality, but it is someone else's reality that we feel we cannot really do anything about.

But as I see Mang Andoy call his children to hurry and join in the family picture we were going to take in front of his new home -- I know that someone else's reality has made a turn for the better because people out there believed there was something that can be done.  Maybe that person continues to just watch other people's dramas on the Filipino channel in the safety of their comfortable home in the US... maybe that person has actually been to a GK village one week a month or every week... maybe that person has left everything behind to do this work for the poor... or maybe they just simply signed a check to indulge a persistent fund-raising friend... when I see people like Mang Andoy beaming at the turn of his fate, the whys and the hows seem to fade in the background.

Palapit na ng palapit ang swerte.

Yes Mang Andoy... we will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. :)

Pinya Country : Camarines Norte

When I was a kid, pineapples meant Del Monte, which meant the pineapple fields in Bukidnon.  I remember a visual of a vast pineapple field, the funky Del Monte man with the hawaiian shirt and his American English slang holding a pineapple fruit and inserting a faucet into it.  He turns the faucet and out comes Del Monte pineapple juice.

I didn't know until I got into GK that there were fields of pineapples in some place closer to Manila -- Camarines Norte.  If you travel towards the Bicol region from Manila you will notice, once you get out of the Quirino highway going to Naga, rows and rows of pineapple stands.  Before you hit Libmanan though -- they disappear.  All the pineapple being sold there are from the towns of Camarines Norte (the province before CamSur).

During a visit to GK sites in Camarines Norte, working through the bumpy roads of fourth and fifth class municipalities... we chanced upon a group of men loading newly harvested pineapples.  We parked by the side of the road and got out of the car.  I was excited to ambush a truck of pineapples!!!  As we neared the truck, the delicious scent of ripe pineapples assaulted us.  Yumyum...  

Huge mounds of pineapple lay at the clearing by the side of the road.  Men were loading the pineapples into straw baskets and carrying them to the truck where another group of men took them out of the baskets one at a time, piling them up - bottom alternating with the heads in a quick, steady rhythm.  One-two.  One-two.  One-two.

One of the titos we were with bought us half a basket.  P7 for each pineapple.  And P5 for the butterball.  Butterballs are supposedly rejects -- because they are tiny, dwarfed in size -- considered underdeveloped.  But Jay says butterballs are sweeter.  They still get sold in the market just the same.  I was hoping to have a taste of the butterball but it seems like the Tito did not want us to take home rejects (but I love rejects!!!).

We had enough for ourselves and still enough to give away to the full-time workers at the office.  The next few days, we enjoyed sweet pineapple for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Added fiber to our daily diet plus all that Vitamin C and Phytothingamajigs promised by the Del Monte man.

That's a lot of bonuses from going around visiting GK villages.  It is true that the best things in life are free (well, specially when you're with GK).  ;)

Panicuason Hot Springs, Naga City (March 19, 2008)

Yesterday was "Day Out" for the GK Bicol regional team.  We met up at the office (supposedly at 8:30 am) and was able to round up just about everyone by 10:30 am to leave for the Bicol Mini Hydro (a.k.a. Panicuason Hot Springs Resort) for the day.

Roll-call

Jay and me.  Eric, Choi, Angel, Tony Cardenas, Tito Moli, Charm and her boyfriend, Leslie and the new girl.  Tito Johnny, Tita Minda and their daughter Jaena (Jay-na).  Tito Hayee, Tita Weeh-lee, Camille and her yaya, Aileen followed pretty soon.

Menu for the day

Regular pancit guisado with yummy meatballs (Choi ordered

 from somewhere), pancit palabok with tinapa and chicharon (would you believe it - made by Charm's boyfriend), inasal

 na tilapia (c/o Leslie), pork chop (marinated and to be grilled, bought by Eric), laing, ensaladang kamatis (with bits of onion and ginger) and rice.  Drinks were Coke Zero, Sprite and bottled water.  Tita Weeh-lee brought with them a box of KFC along with so many other goodies (chips, Nestea, egg sandwich mix, kropek). 

Mystical beliefs about the place 

The day before, a Tita warned me specifically not to go with the group to this place.  She said,

maraming malalaking puno dun

And I was like... ok, what's with the trees (in my mind of course)

Basta, makinig ka na lang... (she said sweetly)

With some consultation, we decided I could go 

but with some precautions.  I had around my neck besides the scapular I usually wear -- the medal of St. Benedict.  I had in my backpocket, the prayer of St. Benedict.  The night before and that morning (and the entire time going), we stormed God with prayers for protection - for me and Tala (I included Jay in my prayers).  I also made a special prayer to my guardian angel.  Finally, we were supposed to not go deep and far into the place and I shouldn't be walking around alone.  And of course, the usual whispered

 chant of "tabi tabi po nuno" while you're going around.

What to expect

The Panicuason Hot Springs Resort is set by the slopes of Mt. Isarog - just about 20-30 minutes drive from the centro of Naga.  There is an entrance fee of Php 150 per adult and Php 70 for kids.  After passing through and paying the admission fee at the entrance, a narrow road, always bounded by a treeline on either side, winds up and down and up again until you find yourself at a mini clearing with mossy trees all around and pools of springs right ahead of you.

There are 3 hot springs with varying depths (max of 4 ft I believe) and temperature (39 degrees being the hottest) and 2 cold springs (deepest at 5 ft and coldest at 25 degrees).  There are two more pools at the bottom but they are probably just for design -- as no one was swimming in them -- plus it is where water from the previous pools pass through.

Cutting through the middle is a natural (and rocky) stream.  The water here is cold (brrr....) and there are portions with strong enough current to make you tip over -- but not enough to pull you downstream.  Plus it is shallow all over so really -- no great danger, unless you're super small or super young and unsupervised.

Open cottages are available for rent for the day at varying prices.  The cottage we stayed at was by the entrance (we consciously shied away from the farthest ones) which was priced at Php 300.  It was a bit small for our big group but we managed.  The other cottages were located nearer the springs (must cost Php 400 per cottage but don't quote me on that) -- as in, right beside, but when we got there at close to noon, these cottages were already occupied. 

There are separate shower/comfort/dressing rooms for the men and the women.  They are relatively clean and well-lit but no tissue paper.

The place has limited staff -- you hardly see them but they do keep the order and make sure you've paid for the cottages.  Signs are everywhere reminding guests to make personal safety their business -- and warnings that the establishment takes no responsibility for any danger or loss within the premises.

Recommended attire

The usual swim attire in the province is followed here : shirts or tank tops with shorts.  There were a number in real swimsuits and a few even in a two-piece ensemble.  Long pants (and pajamas, specifically) are not allowed.

How long you can stay

An entire day definitely would be recommended -- to just lie around and relax with family and friends.  They said people could even stay overnight (Really?  I didn't spot any place to sleep in).  Some are happy with just staying for half a day - from morning until lunch time and there were even groups who just came in at 3pm.  Our titos and titas however preferred to leave before dark, so we were out of there before 5 pm.

The verdict

A great get-away for the day.  The hot pools are said to be therapeutic.  They were too hot for pregnant me (and I just dipped my heels) so my preference was for the cold pools.  Jay felt very lethargic at the hot pools so I suggested that he jump in to wake up at the cold pools.  He was at first hesitant to switch from cold to hot but I told him it was safe -- that they do this sort of therapy at spas.  It's supposed to stimulate circulation.  So he cooled-off and felt ok.  

Another thing I enjoyed was my husband's grilling.  I've been bugging him to try out being a master griller.  This time, he manned the grill -- in charge of the pork chops.  Good job for a first-timer - I think he's gotten the hang of it - looking out for when one side gets charred.  For this place, you have to bring your own grill though (ours was c/o Tito Johnny) and charcoal (none to buy around here).

If you want some music, just bring your own boombox.  One other group brought their own and blasted it really loud, so we had to go along with their choice of music.  I could just imagine if everyone had their own -- it would probably drive off (or annoy) the mystical beings who lived close by.

Bring cards, a book, the paper of the day if you do just want to relax on your own -- specially for the down times during the day (once you've had enough of the springs).  If you're with your friends, I'm sure you'll find so many things to amuse yourself with.  We sure did.